[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 36 (Monday, February 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E182-E183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING MONA GARIMELLA, BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST WINNER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN

                                   of

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 28, 2022

  Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the exemplary work of Mona Garimella, an 11th grade student 
at Maggie Walker Governor's School in Richmond, Virginia, and the high 
school winner of the Black History Month essay contest I hosted earlier 
this month. Ms. Garimella wrote a powerful essay on the legacy of my 
former colleague, John Lewis, and the importance of getting into ``good 
trouble.'' I am inspired by Ms. Garimella's words, and I encourage 
young people across our country to reflect on what this month means to 
them.
  Since its creation less than 50 years ago, Black History Month has 
been a time to honor and reflect upon the remarkable achievements of 
the African-American community.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mona 
Garimella's exceptional work in celebration of Black History Month.

           VA04 High School Black History Month Essay Contest

                          (By Mona Garimella)

       ``Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem 
     the soul of America.'' Former U.S. Representative John Lewis 
     once said this, a man who continuously fought for equality 
     and civil rights throughout his lifetime. Lewis's work as an 
     activist and government official made courageous strides in 
     our society that were of the topmost necessity. In a time of 
     pure hate and discrimination against African American people, 
     Lewis led significant protests, such as the iconic Freedom 
     Fighters protests against Boynton v. Virginia. He continued 
     his legacy as a leader in multiple nonviolence activist 
     groups and also when he eventually came to Congress. Today, 
     Representative Lewis's lifetime work of ``good trouble'' 
     represents the necessity for society to continuously fight 
     for what is right and never be afraid to speak up for the 
     greater good, as it is our job as American individuals to 
     hold the government accountable and remain steadfast in our 
     morals so that we can prevent the tragic prejudices in our 
     history from occurring again.
       It is hard to stand up for what is right. To speak up and 
     defy social norms is something that takes courage to do, but 
     it is of utmost importance that we do so; one must use their 
     freedom of speech to get in ``good trouble'' and stand up for 
     what is right. After years of inhumane police brutality 
     against African Americans and the tragic murder of George 
     Floyd in 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement gained a surge 
     of popularity larger than it had ever seen. Individuals of 
     all colors and backgrounds were using their right to protest 
     to create good trouble and be loud. They made it clear that 
     the violence and mistreatment of Black people in our country 
     have been inhumane for centuries now. It was sickening how 
     certain racial prejudices are still present today and even 
     supported by some law enforcement officials. Some news 
     sources viewed these protests as ``violent,'' but the 
     activists continued using their voices because they knew it 
     was the only way people would listen. As seen in Lewis's 
     civil rights work and the Black Lives Matter movement, 
     protests are important to bring the necessary change to our 
     society that is long overdue, particularly in civil rights 
     issues because the country needs to hear the stories of Black 
     people in order to truly understand the systemic issues with 
     our legal systems. Thus, it is only through the continuous 
     use of speech to create ``good trouble'' that our country can 
     at least somewhat right the wrongs in our legal system, as 
     the people wronged by the system deserve at least that much.
       As students, along with using our voices, it is imperative 
     that we remain unified in our efforts so that we can create 
     greater change. If we all come together to share stories and 
     further learn about other perspectives while living as a 
     minority in America, we can truly create substantial change. 
     John Lewis was known to be both a man of action and a man of 
     words. Our words have so much value and power, and we must 
     use language as a collective body of young activists to learn 
     and come together to share these stories. Indeed using one's 
     voice can also be viewed individualistically, such as through 
     voting. However, the beauty of our democracy is that freedom 
     of speech along with the right to assemble and protest are 
     foundational elements of our country that promote community 
     buy-in. Voting is important, but it is our strength in 
     numbers that can truly move our nation to change, and it is 
     our job as young activists and the next generation to start 
     being more mindful of the stories of those hurt by our nation 
     so that we can come together and push through these issues 
     collectively.
       When John Lewis was repeatedly jailed for his protests and 
     civil rights work, he continued to use his voice because he 
     knew our nation still had a long way to go. When Black Lives 
     Matters protesters were criticized for being too loud, the 
     activists continued to lead their efforts because they knew 
     that

[[Page E183]]

     they could not stop now; evidently, the fight against racial 
     prejudice is a life-long battle. While it is not justifiable 
     nor acceptable, we as individuals carry implicit biases and 
     prejudices against other groups of people. However, it is our 
     duty as informed citizens and sympathetic human beings that 
     we continue to educate ourselves and create ``good trouble'' 
     so that we can continuously learn. It is only through acts of 
     good trouble that we, as a society, can progress to a state 
     of being where individuals do not fear being pulled over by a 
     cop--one where Black people do not have to worry about being 
     unfairly stereotyped and having to face inhumane treatment 
     because of that. This is the absolute bare minimum, yet this 
     is where our society has fallen behind. Because of 
     individuals like Representative John Lewis, we were able to 
     dismantle a series of racist laws our nation shamelessly 
     agreed upon at one point in time, but it is our duty today to 
     continue that fight and John Lewis's legacy to truly mend the 
     wounds we have created.

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